The lost valley of Naar-Phu, cabane trek 16 jours

Introduction to “The Lost Valley of Naar-Phu” Trek
The Naar Phu region is the most remote of the Manang District and access is granted only with the purchase of a special permit. This area consists of two main villages - Naar with 300 permanent residents called Naar-ten and Phu with 200 permanent residents called Phu-ten. These remote villages are situated above tree line and completely cut off during the snowy winter months. Residents of these valleys make their livelihood mainly from herding yak and trading meat, wool and hides with the villages located in the lower regions of Manang. On this trek, Settled around the 10th Century by Tibetan herders and traders migrating south from Tibet, the inhabitants of Phu (also noted on maps as Phoo) once placed high value on their remote and strategic location. Tall stone lookout towers, now standing in ruins, where used to spot possible invaders coming from all directions and thick wooden doors where bolted shut at night locking the residents securely inside. We can have the entire day to explore this fascinating area. We can have the great pleasure of sightseeing inside the Tashi Lakhang Monastery, which sites high above the village. Tashi Lakhang - 'the blessed house of gods' is one of the oldest monasteries (or Gompas) in Manang. The Gompa is one of 108 constructed by Lama Urgen Lhundup Gyatso and, along with the monastery in Braga, makes up the heart of spiritual life in the Manang District. It takes two days to reach Naar from Phu Village, the principal and seemingly more prosperous village in these remote valleys. Naar, situated at 13,730 feet, is also called Chuprong meaning 'the place of Blue Sheep'. The original inhabitants of this valley are believed to be from Tibet's ancient Shang Sung Kingdom arriving sometime in the 8th Century and converted from Bon to Buddhism after the birth of Buddha in Lumbini. Naar Village sits above a large flat plain which make up the extensive agriculture fields being plowed by teams of humans and their yak. It seemed as though the entire village population are in the fields turning the soil and planting seeds in anticipation for the summer rains. As in Phu, wandering around the village and observing local life untainted by the outside world is fascinating.

Trekking Highlights:
- Exploring the lost valley of Naar and Phu Village.
- Visit to the ancient Buddhist Monasteries including Tashi Lakhang Monastery is listed out of the 108
world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is believed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa
Rinpoche.
- Majestic view of High Himalayan Range.
- Picturesque Water Fall during the trek.
- High snow covered pass.
- 80m Deepest Gorge in Mahendra Pul.
- Wildlife such as Blue Sheep (Naur).
- Lifestyle of People and their Tibetan culture.
- Beautiful small streams.
- Ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived illegally).
- Natural diversity and Religion.

Itinerary in detail:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and meet our staff at the airport and transfer to hotel. Welcome drink and short briefing, relax and permits procedure.

Day 2: Full day Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour with Tour Guide by private car.
Our tour guide introduces you in the world heritage sites such as Bauddhanath, Pasupatinath, Swayambhunath by private car. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Jagat by private land cruiser (8/9 hours)
In the morning, drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule by private land cruiser passing the Trisuli and Marsyangdi River. You can see three snow peaks, Lamjung Himal, Peak 29 and Manaslu during the driving. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani 1860m (5/6 hours)
You start your trek in the morning after breakfast, the trail goes gradually uphill to Chamje and you cross another suspension bridge and follow the steep rocky trail until reaching Tal village which takes 3 and half hours. You can see again very beautiful waterfalls in Tal. You have lunch break here. Then you continue again on a rocky trail to Kotro, which takes about 2 hours. You continue straight and cross the suspension bridge near Lower Dharapani. You continue a little more climbing and arrive in Higher Dharapani. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 5: Trek from Dharapani to Koto 2600m (5/6 hours)
You begin your trek in the morning towards Bagarchhap which takes about 1 hour passing through pine and fir forests. You can visit the white washed monastery in this village. Then you continue your trek till Danaque it takes about 1 hour. The trail is ascending steeply until Timang which takes about 1 and half hour. You have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29. Now your trail continues through pine forests again till Latamarang which takes about 1 and half hour. You have lunch break here. After lunch, you walk again through forests and you have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally you arrive in Koto village after 1 and half hours walk. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 6: Trek from Koto to Meta 3570m (6/7 hours) (Naar-Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit Entry)
In the morning, you register your restricted area permit at the Police check post. Then you start your trek through the River bank of Suti Khola again through wonderful pine forests passing many streams and suspension bridges until reaching Dharmasala which takes about 5 hours. You can see a picturesque Waterfall near the Dharmasala. You have your packed lunch on the way. Then you continue your trek again through forests and ascend steeply till Meta Village, which takes about 1 and half hour. Now you have arrived on the Tibetan Plateau. You have very good view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 7: Trek from Meta to Phoo 3900m (6/7 hours)
Today, you start with up and down as well as on traversing suspension bridges over diffrent streams. Again packed lunch at Kyang which takes about 4 hours. Actually you do not find any houses and lodges in this area. You just see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived illegally) at places like Jhunam, Chyakhu and Kyang. Then you keep walking passing the Phu Khola on a rocky trail until Phu village which takes about 3 hours. You can see Blue Sheep during the trail. Now you are in one of the unique Lost/ Hidden Valleys. You can see their cultures, natural diversity, and religion of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung and Ghale. The people are depending on subsistence agricultures, animal breeding and seasonal migrations. The very old Buddhist Monastery known as Tashi Lakhang Monastery is listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is believed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. You have a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 8: Trek from Phoo to Naar 4100m (6/7 hours)
Today, the trail descends, passing many streams and suspension bridges until Mahendra Pul which takes about 4 hours. You pass the high suspension bridge 80m over the Gorge of Lapche River. You have lunch in Mahendra Pul. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends passing many Buddhist stupas until Naar Village which takes about 2 hours. You find here many Buddhist Monasteries to visit as well as a very good view of Pisang Peak and other small peaks. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 9: Trek from Naar to Kang-La 5322m to Ngawal 3660m (6/7 hours) (Naar-Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit Exit)
Today morning you will start your trek early in the morning and until to Jhombu Kharka also known as Kang-La Phedi. It takes 3 hours. You can see Yak herder’s camp with many Yaks. The trail steeply ascends passing different landslide areas to Kang-La Pass which takes about 2 and half hour. Now you have a superb view of the Annapurna Range and other peaks. Then you descend steeply till Ngawal village which takes about 3 hours. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 10: Trek from Ngawal to Manang 3540m (5/6 hours)
Today your trail is slightly descending until reaching Braga village. Visit the monastery. It takes 2 and half hour. Then 30 minutes walk from Braga to Manang. This is the right option for a great view of the Annapurna Range. Afternoon, hike to Chunker view point - Gangapurna Lake & Cave Gompa. You can hike to Chhunker view point which takes about 1 and half hour. You can see the Gangapurna Lake as well, as the Annapurna range like Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Tilicho peak, Pisang peak, Chulo peak, Thorong peak and so on. Then you return back to your lodge and have lunch there. After lunch you hike with your guide to the Cave Gompa which is situated at the elevation of about 4500m. It takes 2 hours to reach there. This is also a very good place to have magnificent view of Annapurna Range. Then you return back to your lodge. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 11: Trek from Manang to Pisang 2675m (5/6 hours)
After breakfast in the morning with the views of spectacular mountains around Manang area, we will head to Braga which 15 minutes and continue to Humde village along the Marsyangdi River. It takes about 3 hours and where we will have our lunch. There is also small airstrip. Then after lunch, we will keep smoothly walking until reaching Pisang village which takes 2 hours. We will go evening to upper Pisang to visit ancient Buddhist monastery and from where the views of Annapurna II, IV and Pisang peak are often awesome. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 12: Trek from Pisang to Chame 2670m (5/6 hours)
Today morning, the trail is going easily since you need to walk sometime in road until Dikur Pokhari through the pine and rhododendron forests which takes about 1 and half hour. You need to walk down hill through the pine forest until Bratang which takes about 1 and half hour. Then you will stop for lunch and after lunch you walk on level trail through the pine forest until reaching Chame village which takes about 2 hours, finally you need to cross above suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. This village is head quarter of Manang district and all administrative places. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 13: Trek from Chame to Dharapani 1860m (5/6 hours)
Morning after breakfast, you walk to Koto which you passed before entering Nar-Phu Valley, then keep continue to the forest along the high up Marshyangdi River until Thanchok and walk down hill to Danakyu which takes 3 hours. Then we will make lunch break and then walk again on level trail to reach Bagarchhap which takes an hour and where you can visit white washed Buddhist monastery. Then keep walking along the River until reaching Dharapani and you need to show your trekking permits in ACAP center. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 14: Trek from Dharapani to Jagat 1300m (5/6 hours)
After breakfast in the morning, you walk for a while and cross the suspension to other side of Marshyangdi River and walk small ups and downs to Karte which takes about an hour. Then cross again another suspension bridge to reach other side of River. Then keep continuing on the road for 45 minutes and then cross long suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River. The trail will be little bit rocky to reach in Tal village where you will make lunch break. You can see very picturesque water fall during your lunch time. After lunch you keep walking for a while along the river and soon you need to walk step and rocky downhill for 40 minutes. Then your trail will become very narrower high above from river for 1 hour. And then you will arrive again to another suspension bride near the Chyamje village. Now you are already in the road for next 1 hour to Jagat village. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 15: Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu via Besisahar 8/9 hours
Early morning our private land cruiser will pick you up from Jagat and drive to Besisahar on bumpy dusty road for 3 hours and another 5 hours smooth drive to Kathmandu along the Marsyangdi River and Trisuli River and transfer to Hotel.

Our Tour Package doesn't include;
* Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
* International air fare to and from Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipments like sleeping bags, jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters due to natural calamities during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...

Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.

Note: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste. For more information please e-mail us snftnepal@yahoo.de

Important: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.

Nar Phu Valley Trek ItineraryDay 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and you will be met at the airport by our representative who will be waiting with a Swiss Family Treks sign outside the terminal and transfer to Hotel by private car. Welcome drink and after you settle into the hotel there will be a group briefing with your tour leader. He will discuss the trek details and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Day 2: Full Day Guided Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley by private van.
After brekafast in the hotel, Drive to Swayambhunath Stupa which is very close form the centre of Kathmandu. It takes some minutes to be there. This Temple is also known as Monkey Temple which is considered to be self made Stupa. Then visit to Boudhanath Stupa: the biggest stupa in Nepal and one of the bigger stupa in the world. You can basically experience Tibetan Buddhism, culture and way of life in Boudhanath Area. Boudhanath area is the authentic place to buy Tibetan stuffs. Again you will be visit Pashupatinath Temple and it is one of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world. It is a sacred place where Hindus come to die and to be cremated. The temple of Pashupatinath is a large double roofed, gilt pagoda, decorated with brass, the gateway is plated with silver. There are images of Shiva along with other statues, shrines and temples dedicated to other deities in the complex. A circuit of the Pashupati area takes visitors past a sixth-century statue of the Buddha, an eight-century statue of Brahma the creator and numerous other temples. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over south Asia offering ceremonies to worship Shiva, the Lord of Destruction. Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Jagat by private land cruiser (8/9 hours)
In the morning, drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule by private land cruiser passing the Trisuli and Marsyangdi River. You can see three snow peaks, Lamjung Himal, Peak 29 and Manaslu during the driving. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani 1860m (5/6 hours)
You start your trek in the morning after breakfast, the trail goes gradually uphill to Chamje and you cross another suspension bridge and follow the steep rocky trail until reaching Tal village which takes 3 and half hours. You can see again very beautiful waterfalls in Tal. You have lunch break here. Then you continue again on a rocky trail to Kotro, which takes about 2 hours. You continue straight and cross the suspension bridge near Lower Dharapani. You continue a little more climbing and arrive in Higher Dharapani. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 5: Trek from Dharapani to Koto 2600m (5/6 hours)
You begin your trek in the morning towards Bagarchhap which takes about 1 hour passing through pine and fir forests. You can visit the white washed monastery in this village. Then you continue your trek till Danaque it takes about 1 hour. The trail is ascending steeply until Timang which takes about 1 and half hour. You have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29. Now your trail continues through pine forests again till Latamarang which takes about 1 and half hour. You have lunch break here. After lunch, you walk again through forests and you have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally you arrive in Koto village after 1 and half hours walk. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 6: Trek from Koto to Meta 3570m (6/7 hours) (Naar-Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit Entry)
In the morning, you register your restricted area permit at the Police check post. Then you start your trek through the River bank of Suti Khola again through wonderful pine forests passing many streams and suspension bridges until reaching Dharmasala which takes about 5 hours. You can see a picturesque Waterfall near the Dharmasala. You have your packed lunch on the way. Then you continue your trek again through forests and ascend steeply till Meta Village, which takes about 1 and half hour. Now you have arrived on the Tibetan Plateau. You have very good view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 7: Trek from Meta to Phoo 3900m (6/7 hours)
Today, you start with up and down as well as on traversing suspension bridges over diffrent streams. Again packed lunch at Kyang which takes about 4 hours. Actually you do not find any houses and lodges in this area. You just see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived illegally) at places like Jhunam, Chyakhu and Kyang. Then you keep walking passing the Phu Khola on a rocky trail until Phu village which takes about 3 hours. You can see Blue Sheep during the trail. Now you are in one of the unique Lost/ Hidden Valleys. You can see their cultures, natural diversity, and religion of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung and Ghale. The people are depending on subsistence agricultures, animal breeding and seasonal migrations. The very old Buddhist Monastery known as Tashi Lakhang Monastery is listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is believed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. You have a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 8: Trek from Phoo to Naar 4100m (6/7 hours)
Today, the trail descends, passing many streams and suspension bridges until Mahendra Pul which takes about 4 hours. You pass the high suspension bridge 80m over the Gorge of Lapche River. You have lunch in Mahendra Pul. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends passing many Buddhist stupas until Naar Village which takes about 2 hours. You find here many Buddhist Monasteries to visit as well as a very good view of Pisang Peak and other small peaks. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 9: Trek from Naar to Kang-La 5322m to Ngawal 3660m (6/7 hours) (Naar-Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit Exit)
Today morning you will start your trek early in the morning and until to Jhombu Kharka also known as Kang-La Phedi. It takes 3 hours. You can see Yak herder’s camp with many Yaks. The trail steeply ascends passing different landslide areas to Kang-La Pass which takes about 2 and half hour. Now you have a superb view of the Annapurna Range and other peaks. Then you descend steeply till Ngawal village which takes about 3 hours. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 10: Trek from Ngawal to Manang 3540m (5/6 hours)
Today your trail is slightly descending until reaching Braga village. Visit the monastery. It takes 2 and half hour. Then 30 minutes walk from Braga to Manang. This is the right option for a great view of the Annapurna Range. Afternoon, hike to Chunker view point - Gangapurna Lake & Cave Gompa. You can hike to Chhunker view point which takes about 1 and half hour. You can see the Gangapurna Lake as well, as the Annapurna range like Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Tilicho peak, Pisang peak, Chulo peak, Thorong peak and so on. Then you return back to your lodge and have lunch there. After lunch you hike with your guide to the Cave Gompa which is situated at the elevation of about 4500m. It takes 2 hours to reach there. This is also a very good place to have magnificent view of Annapurna Range. Then you return back to your lodge. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 11: Trek from Manang to Pisang 2675m (5/6 hours)
After breakfast in the morning with the views of spectacular mountains around Manang area, we will head to Braga which 15 minutes and continue to Humde village along the Marsyangdi River. It takes about 3 hours and where we will have our lunch. There is also small airstrip. Then after lunch, we will keep smoothly walking until reaching Pisang village which takes 2 hours. We will go evening to upper Pisang to visit ancient Buddhist monastery and from where the views of Annapurna II, IV and Pisang peak are often awesome. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 12: Trek from Pisang to Chame 2670m (5/6 hours)
Today morning, the trail is going easily since you need to walk sometime in road until Dikur Pokhari through the pine and rhododendron forests which takes about 1 and half hour. You need to walk down hill through the pine forest until Bratang which takes about 1 and half hour. Then you will stop for lunch and after lunch you walk on level trail through the pine forest until reaching Chame village which takes about 2 hours, finally you need to cross above suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. This village is head quarter of Manang district and all administrative places. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 13: Trek from Chame to Dharapani 1860m (5/6 hours)
Morning after breakfast, you walk to Koto which you passed before entering Nar-Phu Valley, then keep continue to the forest along the high up Marshyangdi River until Thanchok and walk down hill to Danakyu which takes 3 hours. Then we will make lunch break and then walk again on level trail to reach Bagarchhap which takes an hour and where you can visit white washed Buddhist monastery. Then keep walking along the River until reaching Dharapani and you need to show your trekking permits in ACAP center. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 14: Trek from Dharapani to Jagat 1300m (5/6 hours)
After breakfast in the morning, you walk for a while and cross the suspension to other side of Marshyangdi River and walk small ups and downs to Karte which takes about an hour. Then cross again another suspension bridge to reach other side of River. Then keep continuing on the road for 45 minutes and then cross long suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River. The trail will be little bit rocky to reach in Tal village where you will make lunch break. You can see very picturesque water fall during your lunch time. After lunch you keep walking for a while along the river and soon you need to walk step and rocky downhill for 40 minutes. Then your trail will become very narrower high above from river for 1 hour. And then you will arrive again to another suspension bride near the Chyamje village. Now you are already in the road for next 1 hour to Jagat village. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 15: Drive from Jagat to Kathmandu via Besisahar 8/9 hours
Early morning our private land cruiser will pick you up from Jagat and drive to Besisahar on bumpy dusty road for 3 hours and another 5 hours smooth drive to Kathmandu along the Marsyangdi River and Trisuli River and transfer to Hotel.

Day 16: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements and transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport by our private van around 3 hours before your flight schedule and flight back to your home/other travel destination.

Customize Your Trek: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de

Important: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.

Our Trek Package Cost doesn't include;
* Any meals (Lunch and Dinner)in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
* International air fare to and from Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipments like sleeping bags, jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters due to natural calamities during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...